PETERSON AIR FORCE BASE, Colorado – Headquarters and Headquarters Company, U.S. Army Space and Missile Defense Command/Army Forces Strategic Command welcomed a new first sergeant May 17 here.
1st Sgt. Andrew Brown, a Lubbock, Texas, native, assumed responsibility from outgoing 1st Sgt. Benjamin Sharp during the Change of Responsibility.
Command Sgt. Maj. Finis Dodson, command sergeant major, USASMDC/ARSTRAT, hosted the ceremony.
“Today is a bittersweet day for us all in so many ways as we say goodbye to 1st Sgt. Sharp,” Dodson said. “I couldn’t have asked for a better leader to be the first sergeant of this great unit and taking care of our nation’s most precious resource – our Soldiers. You were truly the right choice for the job.”
Dodson wished Sharp success as he prepares to attend U.S. Army Sergeants Major Academy Class 70 in Fort Bliss, Texas.
Dodson then turned his attention to the new first sergeant.
“1st Sgt. Brown, welcome to you and your family to the HHC, SMDC/ARSTRAT, family. I look forward to the future as you take the reigns of this great company and continue to the next level,” Dodson said. “I have utmost confidence in your abilities to handle this position. Remember it is all about the team. Take care of our SMDC team and continue to ensure discipline and standards, maximize teamwork, continuously build and nurture relationships, and ensure high combat readiness.”
Upon taking responsibility, Brown, who served in various positions with SMDC’s 1st Space Brigade from 2007 to 2011, thanked Sharp for his friendship.
“I’m beyond thankful you recommended me for this amazing opportunity,” Brown said. “You’ve been a great friend over so many years. The relationships we build in the Army are what makes this journey so unique.”
Brown then thanked his family for their support over the years.
“To my beautiful wife and girls, you fill my heart with joy each and every day. You’ve been there for me in times when you didn’t know I needed you most,” Brown said. “Our next chapter begins today – an exciting one which will undoubtedly strengthen us as a family.”
And addressing the members of the command Brown said, “I’m thrilled to be your first sergeant. I look forward to supporting our great command and propelling us to new heights. I want to enable each of you to reach the goals you have set in your life and for us all to not only meet, but also exceed our commanding general’s priorities. Together I know this command will remain the pinnacle of professional excellence, as it has been known for so long.”
